New MI testing protocol reduces waiting time in ER during Covid 19 pandemic

DALLAS - UT Southwestern Medical Center doctors have developed a new protocol using highly sensitive blood tests to determine whether someone is having a heart attack.This can reduce wait times and overcrowding in emergency departments. This is particularly meaningful during the current coronavirus pandemic when many people with chest pain may be fearful of going to the hospital.

The research has been published online in JAMA Open.

"Patients are more reluctant to come to the ER with heart-related symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak. We do not want those with medical emergencies to avoid the hospital due to concern for risk from the virus," says cardiologist Rebecca Vigen, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern.

The research team led by Vigen found that a new protocol for using high sensitivity cardiac troponin testing can improve efficiency in the ER by more quickly determining which patients are not having a heart attack. Troponins are proteins released when the heart muscle has been damaged. The protocol incorporates the HEART score - history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and troponin - an emergency department risk assessment tool that guides decisions on discharge and stress testing.